Extrait

Background and study aims We carried out our study because we have little good quality evidence about the effects of using baby cleansing wipes on young babies’ skin. Recent professional guidance states that cotton wool and water should be use to cleanse a baby’s skin in the first month of life. However, other research that we have carried out informs us that mothers are confused about the best way to cleanse their baby’s skin, and find that cotton wool and water is not always efficient and can be inconvenient. The goal of the study was to explore changes in babies’ skin during the first month of life (measured at day 1 and day 28 on the buttocks and thigh). Changes that were explored included skin hydration, evaporation levels of water through the skin, skin pH, inflammation or napkin rash and use of napkin rash cream. At day 28, a swab of the skin around the baby’s anal area was taken to assess levels of micro-organisms. Who participated? The study involved 280 mothers and their babies recruited during the first 48 hours after birth. All mothers were over 16 years of age, had pregnancies that lasted at least 37 weeks and babies who were well, and were using disposable napkins. What did the study involve? Mothers were provided with information about the study during their pregnancy. Within 48 hours of birth, mothers were invited to take part. Those who volunteered were randomly allocated to use either cotton wool and water or an optimally prepared baby cleansing wipe when cleansing their baby’s napkin area for one month. Mothers were provided with either the cotton wool or the baby cleansing wipes according to their random allocation. All mothers were also given the same disposable napkins for the month. The babies’ skin was assessed at recruitment and later on day 28 during a home visit. Mothers also completed questionnaires about their personal background and methods of cleansing their baby’s skin during the study. Mothers completed a diary and recorded their cleansing practices each day. One month after the final skin assessments were made, mothers were telephoned and asked more questions about the condition of their baby’s skin and the skin cleansing practices used so that any other changes could be monitored. What were the benefits and risks of participating? There were no immediate direct benefits for those who took part. However, there will be benefits for future mothers as the results can be used to help mothers to make an informed decision about whether they will use an optimally prepared baby cleansing wipe or cotton wool and water when cleansing their baby’s skin, especially during napkin cleansing. There were no risks involved in taking part. Where was the study run from? The study was set up by The University of Manchester in collaboration with Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UK). When did the study start and how long did it run for? The study started in January 2010 and ended in December 2010. Who funded the study? Johnson & Johnson (USA). Who is the main contact? Professor Tina Lavender [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Atopic eczema/ atopic dermatitis

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp